In the midst of the typically dreary weather in the UK and as we look forward to the upcoming year, many individuals are starting to plan their 2026 vacations. Fortunately, there are clever money-saving strategies that could potentially help you save thousands of pounds on your next holiday, by implementing just three simple adjustments.
When considering costs for transportation, accommodation, and spending money, expenses can accumulate quickly. Luckily, TUI has shared some essential tips for saving money that can be applied to various types of trips, whether it’s a short city break in Europe or a relaxing beach vacation.
To identify the most cost-effective ways to book a holiday, First Choice, a division of the TUI Group, examined two years’ worth of booking data. Their analysis revealed that opting for slightly unconventional travel arrangements, referred to as ‘Wonky holidays,’ can significantly reduce holiday expenses.
One key recommendation is to vary the number of nights spent abroad. Instead of sticking to the typical 7 or 14-night stay, they advise considering bookings for 6, 8, 13, or 15 nights.
Research by First Choice indicated that travelers who booked stays of odd lengths, such as 5 or 11 nights, paid up to 13% less per night compared to those opting for standard durations. Additionally, choosing to fly on a Tuesday or Thursday, as opposed to a Saturday, resulted in savings of around £70 per person.
The travel company also suggests departing from the most cost-effective airport available rather than the nearest one. While it may be more convenient to use the closest airport, First Choice’s analysis demonstrated that selecting alternative departure or arrival airports could lead to substantial savings, sometimes exceeding £1,000 per traveler.
The research, conducted in collaboration with money-saving expert Jordan Cox, highlighted that simple yet unconventional adjustments like opting for an odd number of nights, flying midweek, or choosing a different airport can potentially help travelers save up to £1,100 per person.
For instance, First Choice found that a 7-night stay at the four-star Constantinou Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, with return flights from London Heathrow on Saturday, 25 July 2026, would cost £1,500 per person. However, by changing the departure to London Luton and traveling a week earlier on Tuesday, 14 July, the same holiday could be obtained for just £947, saving £553 per person.
They also noted that booking vacations during quieter periods like January, March, early April, or mid-September was typically 16% cheaper than peak summer travel. Furthermore, travelers can capitalize on additional deals usually available during off-peak times, as suggested by First Choice.
Jordan, the money-saving expert, emphasized the importance of